The Atlanta Falcons have not made major splashes in free agency up to this point. However, they have made some new defensive signings that are worth looking into.

Falcons Free Agency: What New Defensive Signings Mean

Edge Leonard Floyd: Revived Pass Rush?

Georgia fans have got to absolutely love this addition to the team (myself included). To see him lined up on the opposite side of Lorenzo Carter will be a lot of fun to witness this upcoming season. Recording 8.5 sacks on the season last year, Leonard Floyd could potentially provide a much-needed pass rusher to this defense. However, this makes us Falcons fans question if this means the front office is not looking to focus on pass rush heavily in the draft. Hopefully, we still utilize one or two of our picks to pick up some much-needed quarterback pressure on this defense. As it stands, getting the 6-foot-5 linebacker for a one-year, $10 million deal is an absolute steal.

Divine Deablo: Our Swiss Army Knife

Divine Deablo could be a surprise star player on this defense. The former Raiders linebacker was a wide receiver turned safety in college at Virginia Tech. Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2021 NFL Draft, he has proven that he can be a sneaky versatile player on defense… similarly to what we have seen in players like Isaiah Simmons or Kamren Curl. Though he only produced one sack in this past season with a little over 60 total tackles, he has the potential to do some great things in sub packages for Kaden Elliss and Nate Landman.

Mike Hughes and Jordan Fuller Displays Focus on Secondary

Mike Hughes provides a secure nickel corner to our defense that can play both man and zone. He was not the flashiest player on our team last year, but he serves his purpose and well. Bringing him back on a 3-year deal for roughly $6 million each year is a solid place to be in for both parties. Along with that, we have a reunion to look forward to with Jordan Fuller playing for his former coach Raheem Morris this upcoming season. In his young career, Fuller has already amassed seven interceptions and forced five fumbles. The 27-year-old can make plays. In a division that goes up against players like Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Chris Olave twice a year: more depth for the secondary will certainly not hurt.

Defensive Focus: Good or Bad?

I think us Falcons fans should be happy with the way this free agency has shaped up to be thus far. We have not made any big money, risky deals, and right now we really don’t need to be. Our season last year showed promise. We have several young guys on both sides of the ball that should be entering their prime, no need to get expensive on other players when these guys will want major extensions soon. I am curious to see which route we take now in the draft after these signings. I still believe we will also be defensive-minded in the draft, bringing in some more depth and potentially a big-name player like Jalon Walker to come off the edge. Nevertheless, I’m happy to see what we’ve done up to this point.

Main Image: Sergio Estrada – USA Today Sports

The post Falcons Free Agency: What New Defensive Signings Mean appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.